Brown and sand tones are a safe bet for creating elegant and timeless spaces, although they are not easy to combine. Interior designer Amaia Elias Uria tells us how to get the most out of it.
Brown evokes earth, wood and depth. From dark shades like chocolate and mahogany to lighter tones like beige and taupe, this color range offers a wide range of possibilities to bring warmth and balance to any decor. The same goes for sandy tones, more subtle and softer, perfect for creating a versatile color palette. Of course, these shades aren’t always the easiest to incorporate into a space, but as with everything, there are tricks to achieving it. Interior designer Amaia Elias Uria, from the Amai Studio agency, tells us, in her own words, everything you need to know to combine them correctly.
For example, Amai Studio recently used these tones in a coastal renovation project in San Sebastian, Spain. “To dress this property, we used a very wide palette of earthy colors: from classic beige to the darkest brown, including sands, reds, coppers, pinks, ochres, terracottas, oranges… And to give character to the space , we broke these combinations with black and touches of blue and green”explains the expert.
1. Shades that require relaxation
As Amaia reminds us, the psychology of colors must be considered. “The color sand evokes a sense of calm, serenity and comfort. It connects us to nature and the beach, inspiring relaxation and emotional balance. Brown, on the other hand, evokes stability, security and warmth. It makes us feel grounded and connected, which promotes a sense of emotional solidity. But it’s true that with the sense of calm and serenity they bring, they are not ideal for projects that require a lot of dynamism. For example, these colors are not suitable for fast food.
2. Great versatility for all styles
“Earth colors are particularly suitable for minimalist, Japanese, Scandinavian, rustic and bohemian aesthetics. But their versatility allows them to adapt to a wide range of styles, from the most traditional to the most contemporary. Among them, I would highlight the wabi-sabi concept, which gives pride to the association of sandy colors with dark wood.